Rejection = Redirection

Recently I applied for a board position at a university in London. I read the annual report; met with the Chancellor and the Chairman of the Board; and nailed the interview. So needless to say that I was surprised when I did not get the role. Initially, I was disappointed because I really believed in the university’s mission and I know that I would have worked extremely hard to build its brand locally and globally. That said; I have to believe that everything happens for a reason and this rejection is a redirection to something else. It is hard to hear no when the feedback doesn’t match to the outcome but I have to continue to apply and be okay if the answer is “no”. There are so many institutions that can benefit from my skillset. The key is to get the first board appointment. All it takes is one opportunity that will help shape my longer term goal of sitting on boards to make sure that management is focusing on the company’s mission. So while I am still getting over my bruised ego; I am reminding myself that a rejection is not my final destination; it is just a redirection. Everything happens for a reason. So if you hear “no” do not let that answer anchor you just keep on applying and pushing until you hear “YES”.